Kyoto Morning Tour - Golden Pavilion and Kyoto Imperial Palace from Kyoto
Safety measures
4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here
Overview
Marvel at the some of the top UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples and palaces of ancient Kyoto on this half-day tour. This quick introduction to the sights of Kyoto covers Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), and the Japanese Emperor’s former Imperial Palace—a perfect way to see the city if you’re short on time. Your guided morning Kyoto excursion includes entrance fees and transport between sites by vehicle.
- Kyoto morning highlights tour: see three top attractions in a short time
- Tour the UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle with a knowledgeable guide
- Marvel at Japanese gardens and design at Kinkakuji Temple and Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Travel between landmarks with ease in an air-conditioned vehicle
Saved to wishlist!
Admire the incredible historical legacy of Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, as you explore the city’s top castles, temples, palaces and gardens. It’s a great introduction to this ancient city for those that have limited time during their visit.
After meeting your guide, head out to your first stop of the day, to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nijo Castle. This one-time home of the Tokugawa Shogun, constructed in 1603, contains five connecting structures made of Cypress wood. The complex is renowned for its elegant design and striking interiors, including the gold leaf-covered living quarters and the home’s extensive kitchen, guardhouse, and multiple gardens.
Head next to the glorious Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), the most popular temple in all of Kyoto. Spend time admiring the intricate architecture and serene Japanese gardens, along with the site’s namesake structure, the celebrated Golden Pavilion. Proceed on to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, once the residence of the Japanese Emperor before the national capital was relocated to Tokyo in 1868. View the former site of the imperial enthronement ceremonies and observe the elegant simplicity of the building’s interior design and architecture. When the tour concludes, you are dropped off at Kyoto Station.
After meeting your guide, head out to your first stop of the day, to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nijo Castle. This one-time home of the Tokugawa Shogun, constructed in 1603, contains five connecting structures made of Cypress wood. The complex is renowned for its elegant design and striking interiors, including the gold leaf-covered living quarters and the home’s extensive kitchen, guardhouse, and multiple gardens.
Head next to the glorious Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), the most popular temple in all of Kyoto. Spend time admiring the intricate architecture and serene Japanese gardens, along with the site’s namesake structure, the celebrated Golden Pavilion. Proceed on to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, once the residence of the Japanese Emperor before the national capital was relocated to Tokyo in 1868. View the former site of the imperial enthronement ceremonies and observe the elegant simplicity of the building’s interior design and architecture. When the tour concludes, you are dropped off at Kyoto Station.
Traveler Photos



See More


See More
Traveler Tips
- "When at the site, other tour was along side of ours and listening was difficult." See review
- "We were doing a day trip to Kyoto from Osaka and this half day tour was the most perfect way to see the most sights while still reserving time to explore the city on your own." See review
Reviews
Why you are seeing these recommendations
Compare Similar Experiences
Current

Kyoto Morning Tour - Golden Pavilion and Kyoto Imperial Palace from Kyoto
4 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$60.73
Why you are seeing these recommendations
Explore Similar Things to Do
Bus ToursHistorical ToursHalf-day ToursCultural & Theme ToursTours & SightseeingKyotoBus Tours - Kansai PrefectureHistorical Tours - Kansai PrefectureHalf-day Tours - Kansai PrefectureBus Tours - OsakaHistorical Tours - OsakaHalf-day Tours - OsakaBus Tours - IzumisanoHistorical Tours - IzumisanoHalf-day Tours - IzumisanoCategory
Katsura Imperial Villa (Katsura Rikyu) Tours & TicketsNinna-ji Temple Tours & TicketsKodai-ji Temple Tours & TicketsDaitoku-ji Temple Tours & TicketsKyoto Tower Tours & TicketsTo-ji Temple Tours & TicketsTenryu-ji Temple Tours & TicketsNishi Hongan-ji Temple Tours & TicketsHimeji Castle (Himeji-Jo) Tours & TicketsGekkeikan Okura Sake Museum Tours & TicketsYasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine) Tours & TicketsThe Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku-no-michi) Tours & TicketsKyoto Station Tours & TicketsGinkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion) Tours & TicketsSagano Tours & TicketsChionji Temple (Hyakumanben Chionji Temple) Tours & TicketsChion-in Tours & TicketsEikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple Tours & TicketsMyoshin-ji Temple Tours & TicketsKyoto International Manga Museum Tours & Tickets
Why you are seeing these recommendations